Envision Cochrane 2050 community feedback presented to Council

(Cochrane, AB) – At the October 21 Committee of the Whole meeting, Administration provided Council with an overview of the feedback received through the third and final phase of public engagement for Envision Cochrane 2050 – Cochrane’s draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP).  An MDP is a long-term plan for how land is used and developed in a community. It seeks to balance the needs of people, the economy and the environment by addressing challenges, such as growth, housing and climate change. 

Over the past year, Cochrane residents have shared more than 1,200 responses on their priorities for the future in a comprehensive engagement process. Outlining their vision for how they would like our community to evolve over the next 25 years, the Envision Cochrane 2050 Plan sets the goals, priorities and strategic direction for land use, transportation, parks, servicing and more.

“Envision Cochrane 2050 reflects the community’s hopes for the future, and we would like to thank the people of Cochrane for helping inform this plan over the last year,” said Drew Hyndman, Executive Director, Development & Infrastructure Services for the Town of Cochrane. “As one of Cochrane’s most important planning documents, it was critical that this document reflects the feedback provided by Cochrane’s residents.” 

The first phase of engagement for the plan, Envisioning Cochrane’s Future, was focused on generating a vision, and included questions on Cochrane’s identity, livability, open spaces and natural areas, vibrant economy and connectivity. In Phase 2, Planning Cochrane’s Future, residents were able to provide feedback in specific areas including arts and culture, parks and recreation, natural areas and economic vitality. In Phase 3, residents were invited to review the entire draft plan and provide final feedback.  

The draft document will be presented to Council for feedback and deliberation on October 28, along with a request for Council to provide first reading. Pending Council’s support for first reading, Administration is looking to schedule a public hearing on November 25, 2024. Following the public hearing, the next step in the process is for Administration to have the plan reviewed by the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB) prior to its finalization.

For more information, visit www.letstalkcochrane.ca/envision.